We are incredibly proud to announce that Ridgeway Secondary School has been recognised on a national stage through the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards, celebrating the dedication, innovation, and excellence of educators across the UK.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards—often regarded as the “Oscars of the teaching profession”—were established in 1998 and shine a spotlight on the life-changing impact of education professionals. Thousands of nominations are submitted each year, highlighting the incredible work being done in classrooms, schools, and communities.
Whole School Recognition – ‘Making a Difference’ Award
This year, Ridgeway Secondary School has been recognised as part of the ‘Making a Difference’ award, a category that celebrates schools that have gone above and beyond in transforming the lives of their students and making a lasting impact on their wider community. This recognition is a powerful reflection of our shared values, inclusive ethos, and the unwavering commitment of staff, students, and families working together to create a school where everyone can thrive.
Bronze Award for Headteacher of the Year – Mr Ball
We are also thrilled to share that our Headteacher, Mr Ball, has been awarded a Bronze Award in the Headteacher of the Year category—one of only five headteachers nationwide to receive this honour. This prestigious recognition celebrates Mr Ball’s exceptional leadership, his unwavering commitment to student achievement and wellbeing, and the inspiring culture he has helped to foster across Ridgeway.
Individual Staff Recognition
This year, three exceptional members of our staff have been honoured:
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Mr Seager, our Head of Maths, and Ms Powell, our Assistant Headteacher and Head of English, have both been awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the Teacher of the Year (Secondary) category. This award recognises their outstanding commitment to their students, innovative teaching approaches, and positive impact across the school.
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Miss Payton, our passionate and creative Art Teacher, has been Highly Commended in the Outstanding Teacher of the Year category. Her dedication to nurturing artistic talent and fostering a love for creativity in our students has truly stood out.
These accolades are a testament not only to the remarkable individuals who received them but also to the collective strength of the Ridgeway community. We are delighted that the tireless efforts of our staff to support, challenge, and inspire our students have been recognised at a national level.
Congratulations to Mr Seager, Ms Powell, and Miss Payton—your commitment embodies the values we hold dear at Ridgeway. You make us proud every day.
